Scene 2

 

Lord and Lady Rochester’s drawing room

November 1st 1870

 

[Lord Rochester and Lady Rochester are a wealthy charitable couple, living in London and friend of Doctor Barnardo, from whom they receive an unexpected visit.]

 

 

Lady Rochester:   Thomas, how lovely to see you. Come in, come in. When did you arrive?

 

Barnardo:             Yesterday, by ferry from Dublin. Marvellous to see you looking so well, Lady Rochester. I often think of you, and of the kindness you’ve shown so many people over the years.

 

Lord Rochester:   My dear chap, have you lodgings nearby? I mean, you’re welcome to stay here if you’d find it more convenient. I’ll have the maid make up one of the rooms.

 

Barnardo:             That’s very kind of you, Harry, but I’ve been graced with some modest, yet clean, board and lodging in Stepney.

 

Lady Rochester:   But, that’s one of the most dangerous areas in the city, Thomas, it’s teeming with vermin of the rodent and the human kind.

 

Barnardo:             Then it will fit in very well with my work.

 

Lord Rochester:   Now, remind us, Tom, when do you intend to travel to China? I think you said you were going out there as a kind of medical missionary, is that right?

 

Barnardo:             My plans have changed somewhat. I’ve decided to work among the poor of this city.

 

Lady Rochester:   As a doctor? That’s wonderful news. Never have the people of Stepney been in so much need of medical care as they are now. [She pauses and thinks for a moment] You do know that there is an outbreak of cholera in the East End and that it’s spreading like wildfire?

 

Barnardo:             Yes, I’d heard that, which makes me even more determined to help these unfortunate souls.

 

Lady Rochester:   But, aren’t you afraid of the risk to yourself?

 

Barnardo:             I hadn’t given it much thought.

 

Lord Rochester:   What do you intend to do in the coming weeks?

 

Barnardo:             I intend to open a school?

 

Lord Rochester:   You want to be a schoolmaster? But you’re a doctor, so surely it would make more sense if...

 

Barnardo:             [Interrupting] …Can a man not be both? Are their respective missions so far apart? I can see many analogies. In any case, I’m afraid I didn’t complete my medical training.

 

Lady Rochester:   Why not?

 

Barnardo:             I had a calling, Richenda. I am sure that instead of travelling to China, it is God’s wish that I remain here in London to do what I can to assist the unfortunate souls in the east of the city. I may finish my medical training at a later date but there are more pressing issues here in London.

 

Lady Rochester:   Quite extraordinary. I’ve never heard anything like it, but I admire your determination, Thomas. Will you ever go to China?

 

Barnardo:             That depends on many factors.

 

Lord Rochester:   So, let’s cut to the chase. How can we help you?

 

Barnardo:             There’s a property over in Stepney Causeway. It would be easy to convert it into a school. Although my funds are somewhat limited, I know I can have it up and running in a week. Most of what is required is already in place, but I urgently require funds for additional furniture. Oh, and the kitchen requires some attention and the roof. In short, I need some additional investment in the project because my meagre funds will not stretch to cover it all.

 

Lord Rochester:   ‘Twas ever thus, dear Tom, ‘twas ever thus. How much?

 

Barnardo:             Just like that?

 

Lord Rochester:   How much do you need to open this school of yours?

 

Barnardo:             Don’t you want some finer detail of the project?

 

Lord Rochester:   Thomas, how long have we known each other?

 

Barnardo:             I’m not sure, it must be about...

 

Lady Rochester:   [Interrupting] …It’s long enough for us to trust you emphatically. We have no doubt you will put the money to good use and that you will spend it wisely, Thomas. Now let’s drink a toast to its success.       

                              [Lady Rochester rings a bell to summon the maid].